Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince released

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

YES SIR! Crazed rabbit, shall I send you a bottle of warm milk and a teddy bear?

[Ronin]

Muggles!!

you lost me there pal.

[econ21]

I think the HP books are well-written. Kids' books aren't necessarily badly written - the Hobbit is quite delightful. Initially, reading the HP books outloud to my son, I was sceptical. But one thing I noticed and admired was that every time he asked me a question about the plot, character motivation or whatever, it was clarified almost immediately in the text. I think that shows some care and skill by the author - getting kids to ask questions and then anticipate them.

I've also heard she's raised the "reading age" of the books by one each volume, as Harry ages, on the assumption that the audience will also age.

I finally broke free of my "it's just a hyped kids' book" when the last one came out and my son (8 at the time) was too old to be read to, but not that keen to wade through it himself. I saw a city-gent type reading one on a tube station and felt liberated - "it's ok for adults to read!" - and greedily devoured it in private, my son following me later. This time I think he'll have first dibbs as he is now a voracious reader.

The last book or so seemed to be building up to quite an interesting crescendo - a magical "total war" so to speak - and so I'm intrigued to see what'll happen.

I also find the films great fun, although I think cute, nerdy Hermione would be a much more interesting star than bland, boring Harry.

[Steppe Merc]

I also find the films great fun, although I think cute, nerdy Hermione would be a much more interesting star than bland, boring Harry.

Agreed. Harry's so boring. He seems like someone I couldn't stand, a sporty, popular shorthair.

[scooter_the_shooter]

I am sorry we cant all be long haired hippie freaks like you steppe

I am a short haired republican christian


I will probably get it tomorrow and read a lil bit every day.

[Steppe Merc]

Sorry, should have put a smilie. I do have numerous shorthaired friends.

I think I'm gonna get it tommorow, since I couldn't get it today. I wish I my car would work, but as it is I'm dependant on my mom again to drive me. Grr.

[King of Atlantis]

Just started reading and i have to say its pretty goog, but the beginning is a little drawn out.

[Gregoshi]

you lost me there pal.

I was afraid of that Ronin. I'll explain my jest. In the Harry Potter universe, a "muggle" is a normal human, i.e., a non-wizard/witch. Since you don't believe in the "magic" of the Harry Potter books, you must be a muggle. Pretty lame, eh? It seemed funny at the time.

[Crazed Rabbit]

I'll pass on the milk and teddy bear, but thanks for the offer.

At least you have a warning now.

Crazed Rabbit

[King Henry V]

The stories are quite good and I like the pace. But to all the Harry Potter fans who wore the wizard's costume as the were queing up up for three days to buy the books I just want to say this: HAVEN'T YOU GOT ANYTHING BETTER TO DO!

[Samurai Waki]

I can honestly say that I hate Harry Potter... I'd be half tempted to shove his wand in up J.K. Rowlings ***!!! if I ever met him. She took all good Fantasy Books... burnt them, and then pissed on the ashes. When I was a little kid I read J.R.R. Tolkein and Dragonlance books, and I loved them because I would have to re-read them several times to understand it, because I didn't understand the words or plotlines entirely, and everytime that I read it, the Plots became more and more detailed than the previous time. But Ms. Rowling took Fantasy books and aimed them at a crowd suited to reading easy words and basic sentence structures, and now all kids are going to grow up Devoid of all these other great books, because they won't be able to understand them! aggghhhhh.

Seriously though, nice gal.

[Ronin]

I was afraid of that Ronin. I'll explain my jest. In the Harry Potter universe, a "muggle" is a normal human, i.e., a non-wizard/witch. Since you don't believe in the "magic" of the Harry Potter books, you must be a muggle. Pretty lame, eh? It seemed funny at the time.

man....that level of reference makes you eligible for the life time geek award

[scooter_the_shooter]

I am picking it up today it better not be too long like the other ones

[BDC]

Agreed. Harry's so boring. He seems like someone I couldn't stand, a sporty, popular shorthair.

In real life his friends lock him in cupboards... lol.

I know someone who knows his mates...

[edyzmedieval]

Well, I got near to the 500th page and it's good....

J.K. Rowling has switched too much to the "love"part, even Harry looking after girls and Ron is kissing with Lavender Brown.....

Oh, instead of kissing, "snogging"

[King of Atlantis]

well they are like 16, about time to start getting into girls..

[ah_dut]

finished it...some clever twists. Not the greatest book ever written but certainantly a good read to pass the time.

[Steppe Merc]

I just got it, and it's good.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Oh, instead of kissing, "snogging"

Aren't those Brits hilarious?

[edyzmedieval]

News for you Maniac: She's from Edinburgh.....

I just finished it... Took me 47 hours and 41 minutes.....

[edyzmedieval]

well they are like 16, about time to start getting into girls..

True, but we in Romania start a bit earlier

And also, Harry's gonna kiss Ginny......

[Steppe Merc]

Holy crap. Wow. This book was quite suprising. Excellent.
I got it yesterday, stayed up until around 1 am reading until the power of my house went out, woke up around 6 am when the power went back on and finished it.

Oh, instead of kissing, "snogging"

What the hell is with that? I mean, I have two English friends (in real life), and I never heard them use such a weird term.

[Marcellus]

What the hell is with that? I mean, I have two English friends (in real life), and I never heard them use such a weird term.

It's just slang. Some people use it and some don't. Nothing to worry about.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

True, but we in Romania start a bit earlier

Around 12? Same here.

[edyzmedieval]

Even earlier....

I once heard a 3th grade girl, she was talking to a boy, and she said she wanted to "ride" him......

The world has gone wacko.....

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

I finished reading it and the book was great, one of the best in the series next to Prisoner of Azkaban for me. Deeply moving in some parts and very dark in places. We find out alot more about Voldemort which was great.

However said they hate the books needs mental treatment and sharpish.

[scooter_the_shooter]

i just finished reading it is HORRIBLE dont wate you're money the worst in the series by far.

[Geoffrey S]

I remember enjoying the books when I was younger, but I can't say the books appeal to me any more; it's good to remember the books are written for children and to judge them on that basis. If people read them expecting a well-written book then obviously they're going to be disappointed.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

The latter books from The Prisoner of Azkaban onwards are directed at all ages. To say it is just directed towards children is totally wrong imo and i'm shocked to hear Half Blood Prince is apparently the worst in the series because that is, quite frankly, a load of shite.

[Steppe Merc]

Agree. I don't see anything kiddie about, and it's an excellent book.